Civic Register
| 10.9.17

VP Pence Walks Out Of Football Game In Protest

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On Sunday Vice President Mike Pence abruptly walked out of an NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers early when some players took a knee during the national anthem. CNN reports that to add the Indianapolis leg to the Vice President's trip cost taxpayers approximately $242,500.

The Vice President's office issued an official statement to say that the trip had been on Pence's schedule for weeks:

But President Donald Trump tweeted that he had asked Pence in advance to leave if any players knelt:

Journalist Jake Tapper confirmed that press pool reporters were instructed to stay in their vans because the Vice President would likely be leaving early:

Lawmakers and celebrities hit Twitter with responses to the incident, but regular citizens have also filled Twitter since mid-day Sunday. Here are some statements by supporters of the Vice President's actions:

And here are some tweets opposing Pence's actions:

And one Twitter account took things to the next level, by composing a poem:

What do you think?

Was Vice President Pence right to walk out when players took a knee during the national anthem? Should he even have gone at all, given the likelihood of protests? Was this a principled stand or a publicity stunt?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

— Asha Sanaker